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Institute for Human Infections & Immunity (IHII)

UTMB Research on COVID-19

Thanks to our unusually strong expertise in coronaviruses (three of our faculty scientists focus on these viruses and many others have extensive coronavirus experience) and our unique high containment facilities, UTMB is at the forefront of the emergency response to the COVID-19 outbreak and is already conducting research to understand the disease as well as to develop vaccines and therapeutics. Click here to view a list of the major research projects underway to study the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the disease called COVID-19) »

IHII Mission Statement

The world-class infectious disease research programs of the University of Texas Medical Branch are breaking new ground in understanding the nature of infectious diseases, and are working to translate new research concepts into products aimed at controlling emerging infectious diseases and mitigating their effects on society. The programs of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII) are the hub of infectious disease research at UTMB. The IHII’s mission is to coordinate, facilitate and enhance the activities of UTMB’s research centers and programs that focus on advancing the fields of infection and immunity.

IHII programs and centers include the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), the Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases (CBEID), the Center for Tropical Diseases (CTD), the Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences (SIVS), the World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses (WRCEVA), the McLaughlin Endowment for Infection and Immunity, the Western Gulf Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases (WGCVBD), West African Center of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Microbiome Research, and the W.M. Keck Center for Virus Imaging in BSL-3.

Scott C. Weaver, MS, PhD

Scott C. Weaver, MS, PhD
Director

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  Call for FY2024 IHII Grant Applications

The purpose of the IHII Pilot Grant Program is to enhance funding and success rates of extramural grants in strategic areas of infectious diseases and immunology. This program is funded by generous support from the McLaughlin Endowment.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Any UTMB employee eligible to submit extramural grant applications is encouraged to apply. New faculty or those developing interests related to infection and immunity are encouraged to seek membership in the IHII before applying.
  • Progress reports for past IHII grants will be reviewed to assess the PI’s productivity and return on investment.
  • Investigators may submit more than one application for consideration; however, no more than one IHII supported grant will be awarded. The PI may not have already received funding for the proposed project from other intramural or extramural resources; all related, pending proposals must be disclosed in your application.

FUNDING
Three different types of grants for one year will be available (contingent on availability of funds):

  • Pilot grants of up to $40,000 to develop new research ideas or products for future commercialization. Greater awards may be possible in some areas where the IHII is partnering with other centers or institutes.
  • Bridging grants of up to $30,000 to support revision of scored R01 (or equivalent) grant applications. Include in the application the expected date of the resubmission and submit the summary statement and originally submitted grant application in an Appendix. Grant must be scored, and viewed positively by the study section.
  • Data acquisition (DA) grants of up to $20,000 to generate preliminary data.

All funds must be spent by August 15, 2024. Carry-over across fiscal years is not possible due to institutional budgeting requirements.

Proposals may be submitted by July 10, 2023, at 9 AM. Download full instructions: FY2024 IHII Pilot Grant Program